Dean Ronan, who grew up in the valleys and works with children in residential care, says his career has given him “direct insight into how underfunded services affect vulnerable families and young people.”
Away from the classroom, he has more than 15 years’ experience coaching rugby at all levels – from Maesteg Harlequins RFC to the Wales Women’s national team – and describes the sport as a vital way of building confidence and opportunity for young people.
Campaign priorities
Mr Ronan’s platform focuses on three main themes:
- Stronger communities – empowering councils, investing in public transport, and regenerating high streets in towns such as Maesteg, Tonypandy and Pontycymmer.
- Fairness and opportunity – tackling inequality in health, education and jobs, with targeted support for care leavers and rebuilding youth services.
- Inclusion through sport, culture and health – backing grassroots clubs, protecting leisure facilities such as Cymmer Pool, and promoting arts and culture across the valleys.
Launching his campaign at Maesteg Harlequins RFC, Mr Ronan said:
“I’ve lived here all my life and seen the positive impact supporting communities can have on people. We need to protect and improve our schools and hospitals, tackle the crisis in social care, breathe new life into our towns and villages, and ensure the local economy creates good, well‑paid jobs.”
Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS welcomed his candidacy, saying his “strength and experience” would be an asset in next May’s elections, while deputy leader David Chadwick MP described him as “a true local champion” with valuable experience in education.
The party says recent polling suggests it has a realistic chance of winning the new seat, which spans parts of Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Residents are invited to attend the campaign launch event at Maesteg Harlequins Rugby Club on Friday 29 August at 4pm.
